Australia made a powerful start to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth on Friday, tearing through India’s top order in the early overs of the first Test.  

Led by Pat Cummins, the hosts dominated the visiting side, reducing India to 128 runs with eight wickets down in just 47.2 overs. Opener KL Rahul was India’s top scorer so far, contributing 26 runs off 74 balls, including three boundaries, before being dismissed by Mitchell Starc.  

India’s innings began on shaky ground, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal falling to Nathan McSweeney’s catch off Starc’s delivery in the second over without scoring. Devdutt Padikkal also departed without making a run in the 10th over, leaving the team struggling.  

Star batter Virat Kohli managed only five runs, adding to India’s woes. Dhruv Jurel (11) and Washington Sundar (4) were unable to find form. Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy are currently at the crease, with Pant scoring 26 runs and Reddy contributing 11 so far.  

India chose to bat first, but the decision hasn’t worked in their favor, as Australia’s bowlers, especially Starc and Cummins, capitalized on the conditions to dismantle the top order early.  

With two wickets still in hand, India will need a solid effort from their remaining batters to stabilize their innings. Meanwhile, Australia will aim to continue their momentum in what has been an excellent start to the series.